NightTalk withGushwell Brooks

Gauteng Education MEC, Panyaza Lesufi has apologised for the confusion caused at district offices in Johannesburg, Benoni, and Tshwane on Sunday.

In a media briefing on Monday, Panyaza explained that an SMS instructing parents to come to district offices was sent prematurely to those who were not yet placed.

Eyewitness News reporter Bonga Dlulane says there are nearly 30,000 parents whose children have not yet been placed ahead of the end of November deadline.

He [Lesufi] says that SMS was not supposed to go out but at the same time no child will be without a school next year. He says what happened yesterday was a mistake and apologised profusely.

— Bonga Dlulane, Reporter - EWN

Dlulane says Lesufi alluded to some of the pressures his department is facing at the moment.

He says at the moment staff is dealing with two issues which is matric exams and placements so they are understaffed and over worked. At the same time though he says that 85% of the placement process is done.

— Bonga Dlulane, Reporter - EWN

Speaking on those children that still need to be placed Lesufi says some of the schools are full and that they may need to negotiate with parents.

It is not about the system, it is about preference and people have the right to choose. That process is now ongoing, we will then give the relevant options and see if we can't find middle ground with parents.

— Panyaza Lesufi, Gauteng Education MEC

I continue to apologise to them for the confusion caused yesterday and the misunderstanding that led to our district offices being flooded.

— Panyaza Lesufi, Gauteng Education MEC

Click on the link below to hear the full report...